Characteristics of Effective Technical Writing
Technical writing usually requires action, follow-up, dialog, or input from
the audience. Therefore, effective technical writing is clear, accurate, and correct.
Because technical writing is seldom read from beginning to end, like a novel generally
is, the various sections must be easily accessible and well organized. And while
technical writing needs to be comprehensive, it is also concise and carefully
worded.
- Clear—is easily understood by the intended audience without
ambiguities.
- Accurate—is factual, correct, free from bias.
- Correct—follows
both grammatical and technical conventions.
- Comprehensive—contains all necessary information.
- Concise—is clear and complete without excess or redundant
verbiage.
- Accessible—includes headings and subheads, indexes, and table
of contents.